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A blessed and JOY FILLED GOOD DAY Fellow Co-operators,
And may the Grace and Peace and Mercy of Almighty God be with your spirits!
I greet you with the words of Colossians 3:12-14: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
As we seek to answer the call to servant leadership, let us remember the importance of brotherhood, unity, and forgiveness. Colossians 3:23-25 reminds us to do everything with the right attitude, as if working for the Lord and not for human masters. This mindset is crucial as we take on our roles as Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee members, and Credit Committee members.
⚪ SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Servant leadership is about putting others first and leading by example. It is about serving with humility and dedication. Let us explore the characteristics of a good leader through the lens of scripture:
· Character: Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence (Bernard Montgomery). Psalm 15:1-5 teaches us that character is more than just talk; it is a choice. Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.
· Charisma: Romans 12:6-8 speaks of using our gifts to serve others. Charisma is about inspiring and motivating those around us.
· Commitment: Proverbs 16:3 and Psalm 37:5 remind us to commit our work to the Lord and trust in Him. Commitment is the foundation of any successful endeavour.
· Communication: Ephesians 4:29 emphasizes the importance of effective communication. As leaders, we must be good communicators and conversationalists.
· Competence: 2 Timothy 3:17 highlights the need for competence. We must be equipped for every good work.
· Discernment: Philippians 1:9-10 teaches us to discern what is best. Discernment is crucial in making wise decisions.
· Focus: Proverbs 4:25 encourages us to keep our eyes on our goals. Focus is essential for achieving our objectives.
· Generosity: 2 Corinthians 9:7 and Proverbs 11:24-25 remind us to be generous. Generosity fosters a positive and supportive environment.
· Initiative: Proverbs 10:4 and James 4:17 speak to the importance of taking initiative. Leaders must be proactive and diligent.
· Listening: James 1:19 and Proverbs 18:2 highlight the gift of being a good listener. Listening is key to understanding and addressing the needs of others.
· Passion: Mark 10:45 shows us the passion of Jesus in serving others. Passion drives us to go above and beyond in our roles.
· Positive Attitude: Philippians 4:8-9 and Romans 12:2 encourage us to maintain a positive attitude. A positive mindset can transform challenges into opportunities.
· Problem-Solving: Matthew 7:7-8 teaches us to seek solutions. Problem-solving skills are vital for overcoming obstacles.
· Relationships: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Ephesians 4:2-3 emphasize the importance of building strong relationships. Relationships are the backbone of any successful team.
· Responsibility: Hebrews 13:5 and Luke 10:30-37 remind us of our responsibility to care for others. Responsibility is a hallmark of true leadership.
· Security: Psalms 91:1-2 assures us of God's protection. Security in our roles comes from trusting in Him.
· Self-Discipline: 2 Timothy 1:7 and Proverbs 25:28 highlight the importance of self-discipline. Self-discipline enables us to stay focused and achieve our goals and the organization’s.
· Servanthood: Mark 10:43-45 teaches us that true greatness comes from serving others. Servanthood is at the heart of leadership.
· Teachability: Proverbs 9:9 and Proverbs 12:1-25 remind us to be teachable. A teachable spirit allows us to grow and improve.
· Vision: Proverbs 29:18 emphasizes the importance of having a vision. A clear vision guides us and our organization towards success.
⚪ SUBMITTING TO AUTHORITY
1 Peter 2:11-25 teaches us to submit to authority. As leaders, we must respect and uphold the structures and systems in place.
Quotes to Inspire your Soul
· Mother Teresa: “Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.”
· St. Francis of Assisi: “He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
· Dr. Stephen R. Covey: “It’s about communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they see it in themselves.”
· Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Leaders should be authentic and have moral and ethical values and principles.
⚪ THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ROLE
Luke 9:62 reminds us that once we commit, we must not look back. The roles we take on are serious and require dedication and perseverance.
Mental Health and Work-Life Balance
It is essential to maintain a good work-life balance and prioritize self-care. Working harmoniously with everyone ensures a healthy and productive environment. Please
⚪ CONCLUSION
In closing, let us embrace the joy of serving others through servant leadership. Knowing the fulfilment it brings is unparalleled.
⚪ A CALL TO PRAYER
Embarking on this journey is a profound and demanding commitment. I, therefore, encourage you to approach God with an open heart, seeking His guidance in making the right decision to offer yourself (once more) for servanthood. This is not merely a job or a pursuit of fame or fortune; it is a divine opportunity to fulfill God's promise to humanity and to serve Him selflessly, bringing honor and glory to His kingdom. This calling (vocation) is a path towards holistic greatness.
Therefore, take time to pray and listen for God's voice. Discuss this sacrifice with your loved ones, explaining the commitment you are being called to. Pay attention to that still, small voice, and if the answer is yes, welcome to co-operative servanthood. If the answer is no at this time, do not offer yourself for the wrong reasons.
⚪ PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your divine guidance as we contemplate the path of servanthood. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow Your call. Help us to empty ourselves of all distractions and listen intently for Your voice.
Guide us as we discuss this journey with our loved ones, and may Your peace fill our hearts as we make this important decision. If it is Your will for us to serve, strengthen us for the task ahead. If it is not the right time, grant us patience and understanding.
We trust in Your perfect plan and submit ourselves to Your holy purpose. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. Thank you for your service. I look forward to working with you in the near future. You are all winners.
If further clarification is required, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please govern yourselves accordingly.
Yours Co-operatively,
Mark A. Ferrette
WESCU President
